Knights gear up for a grueling 2026 season
The Ocala Vanguard Knights, a cornerstone of Mid‑Central Florida high school football, have officially released their 2026 slate, promising a schedule that tests even the most seasoned squads.
Coming off a 2025 campaign that saw the team battle to the FHSAA Class 4A, Region 2 final and finish 9‑3, the Knights are poised to tackle an even tougher lineup of opponents.
Games against traditional rivals such as the Hawthorne Hornets, the F. W. Buchholz Bobcats and the Miami Norland Vikings pepper the calendar, each matchup slated for a specific kickoff time that fans can mark on their calendars.
Adding to the excitement, star quarterback Terrance Lewis Jr. and standout wide receiver James Bethea will return to the field, both committed to Division I programs — Lewis Jr. to Georgia Southern and Bethea to an undisclosed college destination.
Coach Martinez emphasized that the non‑conference slate was curated to sharpen the team’s preparation for the playoffs, noting that “the toughest regular‑season schedule in the state is exactly what we need to earn our spot.”